The Short Sisters are Kim Wallach, Kate Seeger and Fay Baird. Apparently they call themselves the Short Sisters because their first names are all short words. They have been singing together for over 20 years and each of them is a successful musician in her own right. They get together to jam and sing because they enjoy each other so much, and the audience seems to have just as much fun as they do. In March 2007, the Short Sisters took part in a Pete Seeger tribute at the Library of Congress. According to the Washington Post, “the ensemble’s splendid harmonies more than compensated for a few microphone glitches during the concert, and like their elders, the women conveyed abiding affection for songs that possess lasting power and charm.”

Audiences comment on more than just the trio’s extraordinary harmonies and choice of material. Their playfulness and pleasure in each other’s company leave listeners energized and cheered. Their repertoire includes intricate rounds, songs from American, African-American and British traditions and material from contemporary songwriters. The Short Sisters’ favorite songs — funny or moving, thought-provoking or frivolous, traditional or newly written — convey optimism about tackling life’s challenges.

The trio’s performance list covers Folksong Societies and Coffeehouses in their home states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Florida, forays to Michigan and California, and regular appearances in New Jersey, New England and Washington D.C. They have recorded five albums, four of which are available on CD. Songs both traditional and new: unusual rounds, musical curiosities and chorus songs, Sacred Harp songs, ballads and much more. Whether a capella or with guitar, autoharp and banjo, the Short Sisters blend their voices in stunning and original harmonies.

Kim Wallach has made many solo recordings and performed countless concerts. Kim’s recordings include three children’s music albums and collections of mostly original songs; Kim’s most recent recording, “Where Does Love Come From,” is a collection of originals, traditional songs and favorite songs from other writers. Folksinger Tom Paxton writes of it, “Great CD. Such a simple, direct approach and such clear, lovely vocals. I like everything about it…..”

Kate Seeger is a member of the musical Seeger family. She has been playing and singing with her family members since she was a young child. (She is Pete’s niece.). She plays guitar and autoharp. About the Short Sisters, she says “We don’t sing a song that’s become tired, we only sing material we’re excited about that night.”

Fay Baird plays banjo and guitar for the trio. When she’s not singing with the Short Sisters, she’s a hydrologist and works in water resources in her adopted state of Florida. Of the group, she says “When we have a successful arrangement, the sound of our voices is a blend that defies description. It’s like something solid that you can reach out and touch, with strength and permanence to it.”

$10
 
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Their harmonies are magnificent, their choice of material is refreshing, and I think you’ll enjoy listening to these three short but powerful singers. . . It’s wonderful when friends can make good music together. Dick Pleasants, WUMB